Beatles associate 'Magic Alex' dies aged 74

Yanni "John" Alexis Mardas, or "Magic Alex" as he was known in the Beatles universe passed away on Friday.

Magic Alex was among Apple Corps' earliest employees and died of natural causes in his Greece apartment aged 74.

John Lennon first met Mardas, an Athens born artist through the Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. Mardas created a psychedelic light show for the Stones 'Their Satanic Majesties' tour.

Magic Alex accompanied the Beatles on their visit to India to study transcendental meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Lennon recognized Mardas as the co-writer of the Beatles outtake "What's the New Mary Jane," although "Magic Alex" was not officially given a songwriting credit on the Lennon/McCartney track. Mardas also made an appearance in the band's Magical Mystery Tour film.